School Caretaker

Potens; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A national health and education provider in the UK is seeking a School Caretaker to support maintenance across two sites. This role demands flexibility, effective communication, and a proactive approach to odd-job tasks. The ideal candidate will help ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintain the premises and grounds, and support the educational environment for children with special educational needs. This position offers a part-time term-time schedule with potential hours during school holidays.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Exclusive employee benefits

Qualifications

• Experience with odd-job tasks and willingness to undertake them.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate maintenance activities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Oversee the premises and maintain grounds.
• Respond to out-of-hours callouts and key-holding responsibilities.

Skills

Effective communication with staff and students

Flexibility

Team player

Basic Microsoft Office skills

Education

Relevant trade qualifications

Job description

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a School Caretaker at Potens. This role involves working across two sites – our Lower School in Weymouth and our Upper School in Dorchester. The closing date is 22/01/2026, and the position will be reviewed once the school reopens on 5th Jan 2026.

Benefits

• £13.28 per hour
• 15 to 20 hours per week
• Term‑time only, with possible occasional hours during school holidays. Shift start/finish times negotiable and discussed at interview.
• Contributory pension scheme if earning threshold is met
• Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme accessible 24/7
• Access to exclusive employee benefits, including savings on shopping, leisure, and household expenses
• Generous referral scheme

Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate odd‑job tasks and routine maintenance activities to ensure planned work, reactive breakdowns, and cyclical programmes are delivered.
• Coordinate with external contractors and liaise with the central estates department.
• Oversee premises to ensure they meet compliant Health and Safety standards and perform basic upkeep of the external grounds.
• Maintain and manage accurate Health and Safety compliance records (water temperature checks, emergency lights, fire alarms, etc.).
• Support key‑holding responsibilities and respond to out‑of‑hours callouts from the school.
• Maintain surrounding grounds and vegetation.
• Provide support to the other site in Weymouth if required.
• Open up and conduct a Health & Safety check in the morning, perform repairs, and lock up in the evening.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Essential experience with odd‑job tasks and willingness to undertake them.
• Relevant trade qualifications desirable but not essential.
• Effective communication sensitively with all staff and students with Special Educational Needs.
• Flexibility to work as needed and be a good team player.
• Proficiency in basic use of Microsoft Office, sending emails, and web browsing.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Exposure to sensitive information with expectation to maintain confidentiality in line with all policies.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and promotion of non‑discriminatory practices in all aspects of work.

About the School

Arbour House School is an independent SEN school with split sites – Lower and Upper, based in Weymouth and Dorchester for young people aged 6‑18 with complex social, communication, and learning needs. We provide a bespoke, creative, and stimulating curriculum with a particular focus on developing independent living skills and real‑life learning.

About Us – Potens

We are a national provider of health, social, and education services with over 35 years’ experience. Our employees are the driving force behind the fantastic care and support delivered to hundreds of adults and children across the UK. We are always looking for committed, proactive, and passionate people to join our teams and create even more opportunities for those we support.

Safeguarding

Potens is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people within our facilities. All applicants will be subject to robust pre‑employment checks prior to appointment, including enhanced DBS and a minimum of two satisfactory references. Our checks will be service and role specific and can be discussed pre‑application if required.

Diversity

We champion diversity and understand the importance of our teams representing the communities and people we support. Here at Potens, you’ll find an inclusive environment where you can be yourself and where everyone is driven by the same purpose – helping people live independently, healthier, happier lives and doing our part to make a better working environment where all feel welcome and supported.